Can a 145R12 Tire Replace a 4.80x12 Bias Trailer Tire Size

Updated 10/25/2010 | Published 10/24/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(6886)

$90.93

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(526)

$82.40

Question:

I have installed a Tow-Pac trike kit on my motorcycle and it came with 4.80x12 Tow Master Load Range B 4 ply Nylon bias tires mounted on aluminum rims. This kit just added an extra wheel on both sides, the center wheel of the motorcycle remained. Can you recommend a radial tire this size that would work for this application. The reason for this question and my thinking is, due to the differences in road conditions causing the trike wheels to vibrate, a radial tire would provide a smoother ride with less vibration of the trike wheels than the bias tires. Thank you

asked by: Rick N

Expert Reply:

The closest radial tire size I would have to replace the 4.80-12 bias tire size is the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145R12 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10130. The 4.80-12 bias tire is 20.7 inches tall and 4.9 inches wide. The 145R12 radial tire is 21.3 inches tall and 5.7 inches wide. If you have clearance for a little more than 1/2 inch height and a little more than 3/4 inch width you can use the 145R12 radial tire size. Both of the tires will mount to a 12 x 4 inch wheel.

A radial tire will give a smoother ride compared to a bias tire. You will want to have the tire and wheel combination balanced to help with vibration. Also, you will want to make sure and use the correct tire pressure that is designed for your trike kit. Since you are not going to be loading the tire like you would be on a trailer you might want to try different tire pressures to see if that will help in ride comfort.

expert reply by: Jeff D